Reidite is a high-pressure polymorph of zircon, formed exclusively under the extreme pressures generated by meteorite impacts. It is typically found as microscopic grains or intergrowths within shocked zircon crystals, making it a crucial mineral for planetary scientists studying impact events.
Is this reidite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch reidite with a known reference. Reidite sits at Mohs 7.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Reidite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Reidite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates.
Often confused with
Reidite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside reidite
Minerals reported to co-occur with reidite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- ZrSiO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 7.5
- Density
- 4.6-4.7 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Microcrystalline Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Impact Melt Breccia
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and rarity
Where rockhounds find reidite
Classic worldwide localities
- Chesapeake Bay impact crater, USA
- Ries crater, Germany
- Xiuyan crater, China
Field-hunting tip
Look in impact melt breccia country, the host setting where reidite typically forms. If you start seeing zircon, coesite, stishovite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microcrystalline aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify reidite?+
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Find reidite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
